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AVC BARTENDING COMP: PUTTING TALENT TO THE TEST
Putting talent to the test
Bartenders tested their timing, technique and talent at the recent AVC Speed Bartending Competition, proving the value of engaging training initiatives.
IN AN industry where success is built on exceptional service, Australian Venue Co. (AVC) put its bartenders to the test in the recent AVC Speed Bartending Competition, now in its second year.
Designed to test the skills of its staff, the competition invited bartenders from across the group’s large network to showcase their efficiency and technical ability before their colleagues.
Brought to life by Kevin Peters, beverage director – cocktails & spirits; Ben Hehir, head of training; and Nick Selvadurai, group head of spirits & cocktails; the competition successfully shone a spotlight on the factors that contribute to excellent service.
Tasked with strategically preparing a round of drinks that would meet guests’ expectations for quality during service, bartenders not only mastered their mixology, but served a curated selection of topselling drinks including beer, wine and spirits.
While speed was a crucial skill in the competition, bartenders were evaluated on a range of practical and technical skills that contributed to efficient, consistent and high-quality service.
Reflecting on the elements that can set a venue apart, Peters said: “There’s a lot that contributes to a smooth and efficient service. For example, prepping everything before shift – mise en place. If done well, it can improve efficiency and quality which is why our competition allows for two minutes per competitor to prep and ready their stations.
“It was truly inspiring to witness bartenders shaking multiple, up to three, cocktails simultaneously, or pouring still and sparkling wines in tandem whilst nailing these expectations. Observing the distinct methods each bartender employed to maximise their speed while maintaining consistency was fascinating.
“Contestants incurred penalties for certain missteps like incorrect drink presentation, floating ice in spirit mixers, lack of balance in drinks, missing ingredients and poor hygiene. These are all things that, done correctly, lead to a positive outcome for our customers in real life when they’re being served by our bartenders and are great skills to test and refine,” he explained.
Strengthening team spirit
Beyond the thrill of the competition, and the chance to win a $10,000 trip to London, the initiative has also been a powerful tool for staff engagement, fostering a sense of camaraderie and motivation among team members.
The competition structure involved local heats, state-based finals and national semifinals, culminating in a showdown between the top three finalists across Australia and New Zealand, where Chris Rosevear from the Cleveland Sands Hotel was crowned the winner.
By gamifying the learning experience and investing in skill development in an engaging way, the group has not only improved service standards but also created excitement and boosted morale across its venues, demonstrated in the 500-strong turnout for the finals.
“The camaraderie displayed during the competition was incredibly inspiring. There were moments filled with laughter, tears of joy and a healthy competitive atmosphere as teams rallied behind one another. They showcased such a strong sense of community which is very rewarding to witness,” Peters recalls.
“During the finals, the room is filled with peers from across the business, including senior management, area managers, venue managers and head chefs. It creates such a great energy in the room, fostering a sense of support and pride.
“Each year it has gotten bigger and more popular amongst our teams, and we hope it only continues to grow and is something our staff look forward.”
After a second successful year, Peters is already enthusiastic about the future of the competition, which will see the 2024 champion return as a guest judge – a true passing of the torch.
“Our beverage and training teams are committed to inspiring our staff and incorporating various initiatives into our ongoing strategy to engage our teams. We’ve just launched our inaugural creative cocktail competition, ‘Signature Shake Up’, which will be kicking off later this year, it looks to encourage our staff to innovate and think outside the box,” Peters added.
CLINCHING THE WINNING TITLE
After jumping up from second place in the 2024 AVC Speed Bartending Competition, 2025 winner Rosevear told Australian Hotelier that he was thrilled to see his hard work pay off this year after an incredible journey of growth.
“Competing in both years has helped me refine my skills, from improving my speed and precision to learning how to stay calm under pressure. One of the most rewarding parts of this experience was getting to know the talented competitors from across the country. It was truly a pleasure to connect with such passionate people who share the same love for bartending.
“This entire experience has deepened my passion for bartending and sharpened my techniques, and I’m eager to bring these new insights back to my role, where I can continue to push boundaries and elevate the guest experience for customers. It’s been amazing to watch this competition grow over the past two years, and I can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store.”
